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Stronger Sentences for D.C. Crimes
Recent Bills/Stronger Sentences for D.C. Crimes

Stronger Sentences for D.C. Crimes

IntroducedSeptember 8, 2025
In House10 months ago
Intro
House
Senate
Pres
Awaiting House vote
Crime and Law EnforcementSex offensesViolent crimeCriminal procedure and sentencingMotor vehiclesDistrict of ColumbiaAssault and harassment offensesCrimes against property
Why This Matters

This bill increases the minimum sentences for serious crimes in Washington, D.C., aiming to enhance public safety.

If you commit a serious crime in D.C., you could face much longer prison sentences under this new law.
Who this affects
Individuals convicted of crimes
What changes is this bill making?
  1. 1This bill requires life imprisonment without release for first degree murder in Washington, D.C.
  2. 2It sets a minimum of 10 years for second degree murder, increasing the previous maximum.
  3. 3The bill mandates a minimum of 25 years for rape and first degree sexual abuse, with harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
  4. 4It raises the minimum sentence for carjacking from 7 years to 10 years for unarmed offenses.
  5. 5The bill also establishes a minimum of 10 years for kidnapping offenses.
Read the detailed summary

Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act This bill establishes and increases mandatory minimum sentences of imprisonment for specified crimes in the District of Columbia. First, the bill mandates a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for first-degree murder (currently, the mandatory minimum sentence is 30 years imprisonment and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment without parole). The bill also repeals provisions that prohibit the sentencing of individuals under the age of 18 to life imprisonment without parole for first-degree murder. The bill also establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment for second-degree murder,10 years imprisonment for kidnapping,25 years imprisonment for first- degree sexual abuse, and25 years imprisonment for rape. Finally, the bill increases the mandatory minimum sentence forfirst-degree burglary from 5 years to 10 years imprisonment, unarmed carjacking from 7 years to 10 years imprisonment, armed carjacking from 15 years to 20 years imprisonment, andrape with a prior conviction of a crime of violence from 7 years to 30 years imprisonment.

Read full document
Bill Progress2 of 4
Bills must pass the House, Senate, and be signed by the President to become law.
Intro
House
Senate
Pres
IntroducedSep 8, 2025
Sponsors
See all 3 sponsors
HouseCurrent

Awaiting House vote

Senate
President

The President

Donald Trump
President
Awaiting Vote
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